Tips for Keeping Bachelor Flocks

Tips for Keeping Bachelor Flocks of Roosters Brought to you by: PoultryDVM ADOPT A BIRD NETWORK Due to the increasing number of unwanted roosters across the United States, more and more backyard chicken owners have started keeping 'bachelor flocks'. A bachelor flock consists of a flock of entirely all roosters, who live together peacefully. However, there must be only roosters within the flock, without any hens--otherwise it will provoke aggression and fighting. Monitor Behavior Do Not Overcrowd Provide Escape Routes Each bachelor flock will have their The number of roosters kept in a Add visual bariers, hide spots, own hierarchy or 'pecking order', which is likely to change over time, bachelor flock should be based on curtains, ledges, playground areas, the amount of space available. and extra perches. Ensure there are Roosters are generally more rowdy especially in cases of mixed age flocks. Be sure to keep a close eye no places where birds can and active then hens. Give each potentially get trapped, if chased by on the flock in case this occurs. rooster at least 24 sqft of outside another bird. area. Aggression Triggers Rotate Enrichment Items Water & Feed Sources There are certain stressors which To help prevent boredom, which is Provide multiple water and feed have been linked to increased known to increase the risk of sources. They should be set at aggression in chickens; such as aggression in chickens, provide different areas of the enclosure. withholding feed, irregular feeding rooster enrichment items. Also, This will minimize the risk of schedule, exposure to very cold or resource guarding behavior and help ensure all flock members are change it up frequently. Remove hot temperatures, predator attacks, one item for awhile and reintroduce etc. Anything that causes them it again at a later point. able to eat and drink. stress!